AP Source: Jets to bring back WR Braylon Edwards

Associated PressThursday, July 25, 2013

NEW YORK — Braylon Edwards is coming back to the New York Jets — again.

A person familiar with the situation said Wednesday night that the Jets will re-sign the wide receiver on a one-year deal Thursday morning, marking his third tenure with the Jets, before the team reports for training camp in Cortland. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't yet complete and the Jets hadn't announced it.

The Jets also were hoping to sign their two first-round draft picks — cornerback Dee Milliner and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson — before the team reports. A person familiar with the negotiations told the AP they expect Richardson, the No. 13 overall selection, to sign a four-year deal Thursday and report with the rest of the team.

Milliner's contract status was uncertain. The former Alabama star didn't practice during the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery, and could begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list — if he signs. Milliner, taken No. 9 overall, is expected to compete with Kyle Wilson for the starting spot vacated by Darrelle Revis, who was traded to Tampa Bay.

Edwards took a physical with the team Wednesday, and will help add depth to a receiving corps that lacks experience. Leading receiver Santonio Holmes will start training camp on the active-physically unable to perform list as he recovers from a serious foot injury that ended his season last year after four games.

The 30-year-old Edwards, who played his first four seasons in Cleveland after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2005, was acquired by the Jets in 2009. He helped lead New York to consecutive trips to the AFC championship game, coming up with several key plays.

Edwards signed with San Francisco as a free agent in 2011, but played in only nine games. He was claimed late last season off waivers by the Jets from Seattle, where current New York general manager John Idzik worked in the front office. Edwards had just eight catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in 10 games with the Seahawks before being waived.

In three games with the Jets, Edwards appeared rejuvenated with 10 catches for 125 yards while also re-establishing chemistry with quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Jets tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., a former teammate of Edwards in Cleveland, called for New York to re-sign his buddy on Tuesday when he wrote #BringBraylonBack on Twitter.